2. The Message of the Cross -Discussion Starters
- Historian Tom Holland, in his book Dominion, argues that the crucifixion of the Son of God is the most radically transformative idea in the history of humanity, for it completely inverts worldly perception of power, strength, hierarchy/status, human dignity, and morality. Agree or disagree? Why?
- The Roman Empire used crucifixion to demonstrate its absolute power over life and death. Imagine how surprised a Roman Emperor would be today to learn that the empire is gone, and their instrument of torture has become one of the most well-recognized symbols of hope and love in the world. What does this tell us about the character of the true God?
- There are multiple ways people try to “empty the cross of its power” (1 Cor 1:17). Some just mock it; others try to co-opt it, joining the cross with the metaphorical “Roman eagle” of political power to make it not a sign of humble love but an instrument of worldly power. As Adventists, how are we uniquely suited to speak truth into such distortions of the cross today?
- We know that Jesus’ death and resurrection work to set us right with God and give us a new life. Fundamental Belief #9 says it this way: The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. But there are many different words that believers have used to try to describe “how” this works (e.g., paid a debt we could not; showed the depth of God’s love, upheld justice and mercy simultaneously, provided a human example for us from the only One who could do so perfectly, etc). Based on your walk with Christ, how would you describe to someone “how” this forgiveness, reconciliation, and transformation by Christ’s cross has worked in your life?
- Is it generally easier to connect with God when you are on top of the world, or in the depths of powerlessness?
- Can you see the pattern of Jesus’ death and resurrection at work in your own life and in the lives of those around you? How so? Can you give an example when something in your life needed to die (like the grain of wheat) to produce greater fruit?
- In Testimonies to the Church, Vol 3, Ellen White, speaking of the conversion of souls, said that “Those who feel no special pleasure in seeking to be a blessing to others, in working, even at a sacrifice, to do them good, cannot have the spirit of Christ or of heaven; for they have no union with the work of the heavenly angels and cannot participate in the bliss that imparts elevated joy to them… In working with Christ and the holy angels, we shall experience a joy that cannot be realized aside from this work. The principle of the cross of Christ brings all who believe under a heavy obligation to deny self, to impart light to others, and to give of their means to impart the light.” Have you experienced this? Can you think of times when the denial of yourself for the good of others has brought a unique and deeper joy, consistent with the promise of our crucified Lord?
- Imagine that Jesus of Nazareth had died, a successful carpenter, at the ripe old age of 85, in a nice home in Nazareth, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. What is your reaction to this thought experiment? What message do you take from it for your own discipleship and life goals?
- Paul reminds the Corinthians in 1 Cor 1:26-27 as follows: “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” Where do you see evidence that this is still true today?
